Effect of Variations in the Ring Thickness on the Dynamic Performance of the Bimetal Gears

Abstract

This study used a six-degrees-of-freedom dynamic model to analyze the dynamic response of bimetal spur gears. Aluminum alloy forms the core of the bimetal gears, and a uniform-thickness steel ring surrounds the teeth. Gear mesh stiffness of bimetal gears and the transmission error have been assessed using a numerical approach based on finite element contact analysis. The system steady-state dynamic response is examined in both the frequency and temporal domains. Results indicate a 25%–48% decrease in gear mesh stiffness alongside a rise of 35%–90% in bimetal-gear static transmission error with a weight reduction of 30%–55% compared with an identical steel-gear pair for 2–9 mm ring thickness. Bimetal gears show a reduction of nearly 10%–12% in dynamic factor and 4%–15% in peak-to-peak extreme displacement amplitude compared with steel gears.